I know it’s hard for you to trust another pastor. Another believer. Another “friend.” I know you ask yourself, “Is it even worth it?” Community seems synonymous with criticism after you’ve been hit by judgement disguised as accountability. You’re over religion. Over playing church. Embarrassed to say you’re one of them.

You wish you could call them out on it, too. You wish you could lash out. Cuss them out. Tell them how you really feel about them and their condescension. But Jesus never cussed out the Pharisees. And they'd never hear you way up there on their high horse. They'd call you crazy. They wouldn't listen. They never do, anyway.

You don’t understand why you have to earn grace from Christians, while Jesus gives it so freely. They hide behind their religion. Worst of all, they make excuses for the way they act, playing the “God card.” They say all the right words. They say they love you. They say they care. But it stops at their Twitter bio and Facebook status. It stops at the pulpit. They don’t live it. You feel their judgement when you go to church, and you feel their judgment when you don’t. You’re ready to throw in the towel.

Don’t.

Here’s the truth, beloved. You're not alone. They aren’t all that way. Jesus isn’t that way. In fact, He knows how you feel. They treated Him the same way. And this isn’t the way He intended the Church to be. His love isn't commission-based.He gives you all of His love, no strings attached. No gimmicks. No expectations. No earning. He doesn't shame you for showing up late or not showing up at all or not performing the way a "good Christian" should.

He is a patient Listener. He'll hear out all your unfiltered, not-fit-for-church thoughts and leave you with peace. He is a good Father. He'll bring people into your life that will love you - love you well. He is faithful. While humans break promises, lie, and take advantage, He won't.

He is our Healer. He'll masterfully put your broken pieces back together, making you better than you were before your first crack. He'll be gentle with you. He forgives fully and completely, and He'll never hold things over your head. Nothing can ever separate you from His love. Nothing.